Two European NOCs made history at Lausanne 2020, as Georgia and Israel claimed their first medals at a Youth Olympic Games (YOG) or Winter Olympics.

Georgian figure skating couple of Alina Butaeva and Luka Berulava has won an historic bronze, while Israeli 17-year-old skier Noa Szollos has finished third in the women’s super-G, ensuring their countries their first Olympic winter medals.

Born in Budapest to a Jewish family, Noa has only represented Israel, a country she has been to just twice, for two years. “I’m very proud to be the first champion from Israel to reach the Winter Games podium,” she said. “It’s such a strong feeling to be able to represent the country in this way.”

While, Alina and Luka are among the 10 young athletes representing Georgia in figure skating, ski jumping, alpine skiing and luge at the global event.

Georgia will host the Winter EYOF in the cities of Borjomi and Bakuriani in 2025.

Let’s continue to follow and support our European athletes in Lausanne and stay tuned to find out who will be the brightest stars of the future.

Image copyright of Olympic Information Services (OIS).